In 1792, a law was passed allowing each of the states to conduct presidential elections at any point in the 34 days before the first Wednesday in December. This was the date when the meetings of the Electors of the U.S. president and vice-president, known as the Electoral Colleges, were held in each state. A date in November or early December was preferable because the harvest would have been finished, but the most severe winter storms would not have begun.
In 1845 the United States Congress chose a single date for all national elections in all states. The first Tuesday after the first Monday in November was chosen so that there would never be more than 34 days between Election Day and the first Wednesday in December. So, since 1845, we’ve voted on the first Tuesday in November. Why is that?
Election Day in the U.S. is the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. It can fall on or between November 2 and November 8. It is the day when popular ballots are held to select public officials. These include national, state and local government representatives at all levels up to the president. That could change if a new bill introduced in Congress actually get’s considered.
H.R. 4183: Weekend Voting Act: To change the date for regularly scheduled Federal elections and establish polling place hours. Introduced by: Rep. Steve Israel [D-NY2]